Jane Eyre and You
Why Bronte's remarable novel is relevant to today's creative non-fiction writer
Welcome:
I’m in Paris with my beautiful and talented daughter. A present for her college graduation. I’m also here teaching for the Paris Writers Workshop which is an utterly consuming experience. Thirteen extremely talented writers in my class, a staff of stunningly talented teachers next to me from screen to travel writing, evening panels, dinners out, wine in the afternoon, jet lag and my sophomoric attemps to speak a language I barely learned in college. It’s a crazy ride.
Time to talk Jane Eyre
Just because I’m traveling, that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about all of you here on Flight School. You’ve had a couple more chapters of The Summer of ‘72 drop, and now it’s time for a teaching.
We are talking about Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
This remarkable book, so well written, thought out, and smart on the part of Ms. Bronte, is listed as an autobiography of Jane. It’s also a “coming of age story.”
If you are writing a sweeping tale yourself, here’s how it’s done. No, you are not writing in the eighteenth century, but there’s so much to learn from this classic novel. As a memoirist, you’ll not waste your time reading and thinking about this book. I hope you get it. I hope you read it. But not to worry…if you haven’t. You’ll still get a great deal out of this teaching. If you have read the book, perhaps long ago, you will also get a lot out of this teaching (24 mins long).
Enjoy!
Here is the handout featured on the teaching:
And FYI, I got it wrong. The climactic action that leads to the proofs is actually the moment she leaves Rochester’s house. It’s right on the chart but I get a little swooney on this teaching, so forgive me for going on and on about Jane nearly dying. That’s proof of her resolve. Not the climactic action. More on that soon.
Watch on!
Your Turn:
Have you read Jane Eyre? When? What did you think of it at the time?
I’m dying to hear.
Your Turn:
Have you read Jane Eyre? When? What did you think of it at the time? Please post here...
Ooooh this is amazing! Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books of all time, and I love the structural anaylsis you've done here. Helpful for all kinds of writing!